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PREP Checklists - Stay Kit

In gathering what you need to make it through a disaster, put together both a GO KIT, in case you need to evacuate, and a STAY KIT of gear and supplies you’ll need to ride it out at home. Even after a major earthquake, your house might still be safe to stay in, and with enough preparation you can stay at home even if utility and transport services are out. Studies show people fare best at home if it’s safe. Here are PREP’s suggestions – based on Red Cross, Ready.gov and other sources – as a starting point for customizing your kits for your family’s needs.

STAY KIT:

In a large disaster such as a regional earthquake, supplies will be a long time coming due to damaged or impassible roads, so it’s best to plan for 3 weeks on your own. You don’t need to assemble your STAY KIT into one place as long as you know where it all is. To build up your kit a little at a time, use the Family Emergency Supply Calendar as a buying guide. To the GO KIT lists, add this list:Water: Store tap water in clean food-safe bottles (not milk jugs), or buy bottled water. Also, you can use water from your water heater if it’s not damaged. (Be sure now that it’s securely strapped down, and flush the heater annually to remove sediment.) This water may not be drinkable without treatment but can be used for washing.

You need 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking and hygiene. See Beyond 72 Hours for more information on how to store and purify water

Food:

See Beyond 72 Hours for using food from the fridge and freezer. Choose foods household members like, which don't need refrigeration, are not too salty, and mostly don’t require cooking. (If you use very salty food or dehydrated food, you’ll need more water.) Don’t store food for your kit in glass. Include